Notice of Virtual Public Hearing on MBTA Fare Evasion Regulations

As you may know, over the next several years the MBTA will be rolling out a new fare collection system. The new system will allow passengers to use a single card on all MBTA transit modes, as well as introduce new payment methods. Riders will be able to pay through new Charlie cards, a Charlie mobile app, contactless credit and debit cards, and by phone. One goal of Fare Transformation is to speed up boarding for buses and Green Line trolleys, by allowing riders to use all doors. To accomplish this, on-board cash payments will be eliminated. To ensure riders who need or prefer to use cash can continue to access the MBTA, we are significantly expanding our off-board sales network to include several options of physical sales locations, including new retail stores where riders can purchase fares and passes, and new streetscape fare vending machines located at bus stops and Green Line stations across the region. To learn more about our sales network initiative please visit: https://www.mbta.com/fares/fare-transformation.

As a part of our transition to all-door boarding, the MBTA will be moving to a fare payment verification system (learn more about what this means go to https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-03/03-05-2021-fare-payment-verification.pdf. The MBTA understands that this change represents a significant departure for how transit works today. We are striving to make this process as simple and easy as possible and build a system that does not exacerbate any issues riders may have with fare evasion today. As a part of this, the MBTA has worked with the Massachusetts Legislature and Governor to decriminalize fare evasion on the MBTA and allow for a civilian team to conduct fare checks in the future. Secondly, with our newly granted authority to set fare citation levels, the MBTA has proposed to decrease fare citations.

The MTBA is hoping to gather feedback on Fare Verification by May 31st. In addition to this, it is holding a public hearing about theproposed Fare Evasion Regulations on April 15th and two public meetings about the fare verification process on April 20th and April 29th. Please read the attachment for more information.